The ancient Celts believed all living things were spiritual, mystical beings, not just inanimate objects to be exploited. They believed trees in particular were a source of great wisdom with the power to bridge the gap between the upper and lower worlds and bring blessings from the gods.

The Celts were the dominant ethnic and cultural group of Northern Europe for ages. In those days, thick forests dominated the land. With trees as far as the eye could see in Celtic lands, it is no wonder that they were such sacred symbols in all Celtic tribes.

Trees provide sustenance for people and animals. They are a source of healing medicinal extracts. Their wood provides materials to build shelter as well as fires for preparing nourishing meals, warming the body on a frigid night, or engaging in spiritual rituals.

The wood of many trees was also considered magical. The Celtic Ogham (pronounced OH-um) alphabet is a system of divination which some say was created by the Celtic Druids.

In the Ogham alphabet, each of the letters represented a sacred tree or plant. The Oak was the most sacred tree of all to the Celts. They believed the Oak tree symbolized the “axis mundi”, which means the center of the universe. They believed the Oak was a passageway into the Otherworld.



Celtic Tree Of Life...


Celtic Tree Of Life...
Jen Delyth ©1990


Celtic Tree Of Life...
Kevin Dyer ©2008